Back

What Is A Cash Advance Limit?

July 8th, 2026 [Updated July 10th, 2026]
Quan Vu

Written By

Quan Vu

What Is A Cash Advance Limit?

Share

NEED MONEY BEFORE PAYDAY? GET UP TO $250!

A cash advance limit is the maximum amount of money you can access through a cash advance. This limit can vary depending on the provider, the type of cash advance, your eligibility, your account history, your income, or your available credit.

For example, a cash advance app may let eligible users access a small amount before payday, while a credit card cash advance limit may be tied to your credit card’s available credit. The limit tells you how much you can borrow, but it does not always mean you should borrow the full amount.

KOHO (Payday Loan Alternative)

KOHO Cover is a payday loan alternative, you can:

  • Get up to $250 as an instant cash advance (amount depends on eligibility)

  • Pay no interest on the advance

  • Avoid a credit check

  • Repay automatically once you add money or get paid

You subscribe to the Cover bundle for a low monthly fee, and in return you get the advance feature plus extras like a credit report, financial coaching, and priority support.

How Does A Cash Advance Limit Work?

A cash advance limit sets the maximum amount you can take out at one time or within a certain period. If your limit is $250, that means you may be able to access up to $250, depending on your eligibility and account status.

Some limits are fixed. Others may change over time based on how you use your account, whether you repay on time, and whether you meet the provider’s requirements.

Cash Advance App Limit

Cash advance app limits are usually smaller than personal loan amounts. They are often designed to help with short-term gaps, such as groceries, transportation, bills, or an unexpected expense before your next paycheque.

This type of limit can be helpful because it keeps the borrowing amount smaller and more manageable. If you only need $100 or $200, you may not need to take out a larger loan.

Credit Card Cash Advance Limit

A credit card cash advance limit is different. It is usually the maximum amount of cash you can withdraw or transfer from your credit card.

This limit may be lower than your full credit card limit. For example, your card may have a $5,000 credit limit, but your cash advance limit may only be a portion of that amount.

Credit card cash advances can also be expensive. The Government of Canada notes that credit card cash advances may have a higher interest rate than regular purchases, and interest rates vary by card issuer and transaction type.

This means a credit card cash advance may be fast, but you should check the fees and interest before using it.

Why Your Cash Advance Limit May Be Low

Your cash advance limit may be low for several reasons.

A provider may look at:

  • Your account history

  • Your repayment history

  • Your income or deposits

  • Your spending patterns

  • Your credit limit

  • Your available balance

  • How long you have been a customer

  • Whether your account is in good standing

A lower limit is not always a bad thing. It can help reduce the risk of borrowing more than you can repay.

Can Your Cash Advance Limit Increase?

Your cash advance limit may increase over time, depending on the provider. This can happen if you use the service responsibly, repay on time, keep your account in good standing, and continue to meet eligibility requirements.

However, a higher limit should still be used carefully. Being approved for more money does not automatically mean borrowing more is the right move.

Before using a higher limit, ask yourself whether repayment will leave you short again.

Should You Use Your Full Cash Advance Limit?

You do not have to use your full cash advance limit. In most cases, it is better to borrow only what you need.

For example, if your limit is $250 but you only need $80 for groceries, borrowing $80 may be easier to repay than taking the full amount. The goal is to cover the short-term gap without making your next paycheque harder to manage.

Before borrowing, check:

  • How much you actually need

  • When repayment is due

  • Whether there are monthly fees

  • Whether there are instant transfer fees

  • Whether interest applies

  • What happens if you cannot repay on time

The best borrowing decision is usually the smallest amount that solves the problem.

Final Takeaway

A cash advance limit is the maximum amount you can access through a cash advance. The limit may depend on the provider, your eligibility, your account activity, your credit card terms, or your repayment history.

For cash advance apps, limits are usually smaller and designed for short-term expenses. For credit cards, the cash advance limit may be tied to your card but can come with fees and higher interest.

Note: KOHO product information and/or features may have been updated since this blog post was published. Please refer to our KOHO Plans page for our most up to date account information!

About the author

Quan works as a Junior SEO Specialist, helping websites grow through organic search. He loves the world of finance and investing. When he’s not working, he stays active at the gym, trains Muay Thai, plays soccer, and goes swimming.

Read more about this author